Horse case investigated in SD

July 08, 2009

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Â? Authorities in Stanley County are investigating the theft and apparent abuse of a successful rodeo barrel-racing horse.

Sheriff Brad Rathbun says the horse owned by rodeo competitor Wendy Halweg of Mitchell was taken from the County Fairgrounds Sunday morning, after it had competed in the Fort Pierre Rodeo during the Fourth of July.

The horse was later found injured and confined to a tree near a home in Fort Pierre. The horse named Dually is being treated by a veterinarian. Halweg says it might never compete again.

The South Dakota Rodeo Association has offered a reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Rathbun says there are at least two suspects, but no arrests have been made.